Ed Gillespie GOP challenger Howie Lind drops out

One of the Virginia Republicans seeking the Senate nomination against favorite Ed Gillespie dropped out of the race Monday, while another conservative was considering jumping in.

Howie Lind, a relatively unknown Navy veteran, said fundraising dried up after Gillespie, the former chairman of the Republican National Committee, joined the field to take on Democratic Sen. Mark Warner.

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This leaves just Shak Hill, an Allstate agent, still challenging Gillespie for the GOP nod. A June convention in Roanoke will determine the nominee.

Ben Cline, a Republican who represents the Shenandoah Valley in the state House of Delegates, is considering getting into the race ahead of the Feb. 1 filing deadline. Cline was formerly chief of staff for GOP Rep. Bob Goodlatte.

“Glad to be back home with the family this weekend,” Cline tweeted at 11:27 p.m. Friday night. “Making some big decisions. #USSenate #praying”

He did not respond to a request for comment Monday.

Gillespie praised Lind, who did not offer an endorsement, in his own statement.

“I’m proud to call him a friend, appreciate his service to our nation and our party, and hope all the best for him in the future,” he said.